Circle Tail, Inc. is a non-profit, public charity established in February, 1997 to provide assistance dogs to those with special needs and also to provide a sanctuary for neglected or abused domestic or farm animals. Circle Tail was established by Marlys Staley who has been a Physical Therapist for 15 years and wanted to combine her experience treating persons with disabilities with her love of animals. Marlys attended a national dog training school and is a Certified Master Trainer. Circle Tail currently is located in Pleasant Plain, Ohio, at Marlys' residence. To date, four puppies have been placed in foster homes to begin their journey toward assistance dog. Two dogs have been housed in the sanctuary section of Circle Tail, and one of those dogs was recently adopted. Circle Tail uses foster families to help raise the assistance dogs, as puppies need to be well socialized and learn household etiquette. The puppies receive basic obedience training at Circle Tail at about 4 months of age. The foster family then learns how to reinforce the obedience training and progress the puppy to off leash training. At about 14-16 months of age the dog returns to Circle Tail for a 2-3 month advanced training program. After completing the training, the dog is partnered with a special needs individual and the dog/person team undergoes a 2-4 week training program. Circle Tail will not be involved in breeding programs and will receive all their dogs by donation. The philosophy of the organization is that there are too many dogs euthanized each year and therefore, they will use puppies from unwanted litters or humane shelters. To this end, the Clermont County Humane Society and Circle Tail have joined together so that unwanted puppies may become valued assistance dogs. Currently, Circle Tail needs more loving foster homes. To be a foster parent requires time, patience, love and the ability to return the dog after approximately one year to Circle Tail, Inc. As a foster parent, your caring and commitment will enhance the life of both a person with a disability and a dog ! If you would like more information on Circle Tail, Inc., please call (513) 877-3325 or write to Marlys at: Circle Tail, Inc. c/o Marlys Staley 8834 Carey Lane Pleasant Plain, Ohio 45162 [return to top]